Siamese cats are extremely intelligent and sociable felines. In fact, when you get a Siamese cat, it’s almost like you’re getting both a cat and a dog! As you contemplate names for you new and very special feline, there are several directions in which you can go:

1. You can choose a name based on the origin of your cat.

According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, Siamese cats are among the oldest recognized breeds of cats. The breed gets is name from Siam (modern day Thailand), from where they are believed to be descendants of the sacred temple cats. Because of this, Thai (or Asian) names are particularly relevant to Siamese cats, examples of which include Boon (merit), Noi (little) and Dara (celebrity).

2. You can choose a name based on the appearance of your cat.

Siamese cats are incredibly beautiful felines. Their lean bodies, attractive coloring and striking blue eyes often get much attention from human admirers. Although body types differ (depending on whether the cat is a traditional or modern expression of the breed), all Siamese cats are characterized by a pointed color scheme, with points that are usually seal point, blue point, chocolate point or lilac point. Based on these characteristics, names such as Hershey or Kit Kat (for a chocolate point), Lila (for a lilac point) or Frank (as a tribute to ‘old blue eyes’, Frank Sinatra) may appeal to you.

3. You can choose a name based on the personality of your cat.

The Siamese breed is known for being extroverted, sociable, active and very vocal. Of course, these traits are all generalizations. I’ve owned very calm and quiet Siamese cats, and (on the other end of the spectrum) I’ve also owned at least one "maniac" – and I use this term with much affection because she is my favorite, even though she wakes me up at ungodly hours of the morning! If you’re going to take this route, names such as Leo (a tribute to the bold star sign or the larger feline), Casanova, Diva and Princess may fit the bill.

4. You can choose a name for your Siamese that would also work for any other cat.

In this instance, using your hobbies, famous people or other languages for inspiration would all be good options. In fact, as I write this article, I realize that most of my Siamese cat’s names were pretty ordinary – Jenny, Kits, Lilly, Tyler. There’s a theory that pet owners who choose "human" names do so because they consider their cats to be "one of the family". I definitely think there may be some truth to that.

No matter which direction you choose to go, if you use your creativity and imagination, you’re sure to come up with a great list of names for your Siamese cat. If you have trouble narrowing it down to one, ask a friend or family member for their opinion, or – better yet – try calling some names out to your cat.

Considering the fact that it’s a Siamese, it will probably let you know which name is ‘the one’!